How We Are Helping

Natural disasters of any type, and of any magnitude are prone to strike at any given moment, and normally without any prior warning. Such calamities often result in leaving people in undue predicaments such as finding themselves homeless and unable to obtain the necessities to sustain life. In the aftermath, the weight of the burden of stress that many will bear is often accentuated by the sorrow that is felt because of the lives of loved ones and friends that have been claimed by the disaster that has occurred.

From Utah to Oklahoma – A Call to Action

Annelies Marie “Anne” Frank, a German-born Jewish girl from the city of Frankfurt, who wrote a diary while in hiding with her family and four friends in Amsterdam during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, is quoted as saying, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” This expression of compassion is often exemplified by those who respond to the call to action to aid and support those who have fallen victim to any unwarranted and unpleasant circumstances in life. It is during those moments that those who are willing to lend a hand to help another begin to realize, as Dalai Lama XIV once said, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

An example of individuals who have a heart of compassion is the Rev. Myke Crowder, senior pastor of the Christian Life Center in Layton, Utah, and his son, Chris. In response to the storms which devastated parts of the Midwest this past week, Crowder is “soliciting donations so in two weeks he can travel to Moore, Oklahoma, to distribute envelopes containing $500 each to tornado victims in the area hardest hit.” [1]

For many years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes mistakenly called The Mormon Church by the media or friends of other faiths) has been actively involved in humanitarian relief and development activities throughout the world. These include emergency relief assistance in times of disaster and humanitarian programs that strengthen the self-reliance of individuals, families, and communities.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ share personal offerings and donations on a consistent basis, that are extended to those in need. As indicated on the official Church site, “One-hundred percent of these donations go directly to help the poor and needy. In-kind material assistance is provided through items donated by Church members and others.”

Mormon aid and selfless humanitarian efforts are intended to relieve suffering for families of all nationalities and religions and offer hope with the potential for a better life for millions of people around the world. Such giving is inherent in Christian Mormon discipleship.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Partnering to Help East Africa Drought Victims

October 26, 2011

The worst East African drought conditions in 50 years have left more than 13 million people in urgent need of assistance, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is working with various other organizations to coordinate the distribution of aid in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.

The Horn of Africa has experienced two consecutive drought seasons during the past two years, resulting in extreme food shortages in the area. In Somalia, the situation is compounded by civil unrest.

For more information relative to this Mormon effort, please visit the LDS Newsroom, source of official Mormon news of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A couple in Texas visited Mormonchurch.com after receiving members’ help in cleaning up in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Gloria writes:

My husband & I wish to express our heartfelt & deepest appreciation for the help of the Mormon volunteers who helped get our driveway cleared of debris caused by Hurricane IKE. They did a fantastic job! They were Heaven Sent! We live at [ ], Bacliff, TX. I did not get to thank them personally but I do hope you can let them know how appreciative we are of their help!

My husband had just gotten out of the hospital & we needed help desperately! Please pray for all the people in our community & all those affected by Hurricane IKE! FEMA is doing nothing for us except providing ratty hotel rooms & many people have lost their homes and have no furniture, appliances, etc.! You just do not know the desperate situation unless you are personally affected! This place looks like a few bombs were dropped on it!

What a great tribute to those Helping Hands and the Savior’s plan to help the poor and the needy worldwide.

We’ve responded to Gloria’s note, including a copy of the World Report in our response, and an offer to connect her with Stake leaders in her area who can assess her further needs and reconnect her with the missionaries or members who assisted her.

In response to a post on the More Good Foundation website, “‘Criticisms Create Interest’” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” a site visitor, Rick, recorded the following:

As an individual investigating the church over the past few months, I can only encourage Mormons to speak confidently and openly about their faith. Of course, one shouldn’t be too pushy or self-righteous when doing this because that can make others uncomfortable. I, personally, am grateful for the many postings on the various websites and weblogs because they are so personal. It speaks much for your church that it and its members are willing to make available to the general public so much information. When I view the websites of other religions, many are very confusing in their content or organization. Some have little information available online. I admire so much the personal testimonies of the Mormons. In fact, they are what have moved me to accept the missionaries invitation to be baptized in the church (Rick).

LDS.net is a social network that invites people all over the world to engage in real-time conversation with those of all faiths. 25% of LDS.net users are actually friends of other faiths, coming to inquire, to see how we live, what we think, how our lives and the gospel of Jesus Christ are entwined.

A member of the McDoodle family came to LDS.net based on an interest in the Church in October of 2007. Before her baptism, on December 2, 2008, she posted asking for advice on how to help her 9 year old son understand and be ready for baptism at the same time. She is one of many who have used the online forums to seek advice in overcoming her fear of emailing the missionaries. Talking with them, then, accelerated her spiritual progress.

Elder Jeffrey Holland, living apostle of the Lord, addressed the world on the subject of continouus revelation. His talk, centered around the Mormon claim that God continues to speak His word and reveal His mind and will, is available on YouTube.

Among the comments from visitors to this widely-viewed YouTube video clip, taken from his address in General Conference (Mormon Semiannual meeting), is the following:

I must say, what Holland is saying here makes incredible sense and something about this video really strikes a cord with me in a way that nothing else ever has. I’ve been to many churches and have heard many sermons, and if they all use the Bible I can’t see how they all come out so different. If this Book of Mormon is indeed an addition to his word, then God sure knows what he’s doing to correct where we’ve been going wrong with Christianity.

This website is not owned by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. For the official Church websites, please visit LDS.org or Mormon.org.